About Zac

Twenty-four years ago, I was lucky enough to be born in Jackson, Wyoming, home to some of the most beautiful climbing in America. My mom, Tammy, was a professional mountain guide and taught me how to climb when I turned six. But my fascination with the sport started much earlier. When I was a toddler she’d bring me to Grand Teton National Park with my dad and older sister, Kayla. She’d boulder, Dad would spot her, and Kayla would watch me watch Mom. Kayla says that I used to stare up with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. I thought Mom moved like a cute monkey and would clap and laugh whenever she swung from one handhold to the next. Mom said that it was the best beta she ever got.

The Rocky Mountains were basically my playground growing up, so I feel more comfortable climbing up solid granite than the colorful handholds at the local rock climbing gym. I boulder and climb indoors during the winter months, but sometimes those colors just confuse me. I like to make things up as I go. I compete internationally, but still live in Jackson, close to my parents, sister and nieces. I still do climbs with my mom and together—much to my sister’s chagrin—we’re starting to teach Kayla’s girls. I’m hoping to take them with me to my next competition at Lake Tahoe, California.

Favorite climb

The Arrowhead Arete, Yosemite

Height

700 ft.

Coordinates

37°43'42.9"N 119°38'09.9"W

“Every problem can have multiple solutions. To see them you have to look at the big picture overall. Don’t limit yourself to just one route.”

I won my first competition back in 2010 at the Mountain West Regional Championships held at Moab, Utah. Sending a 5.13a sport route in a single attempt earned me first place in the Men’s division. Before then, I’d received 1st and 2nd place at a few youth competitions. 2010 was my entry into the big leagues. A couple months after Moab, Utah, I traveled to El Paso, TX for the National Championships. I got second place by sending a 5.13c sport route in two attempts.

In 2012, I won first place in the Nationals held at Acadia National Park, Maine by flashing a V12 bouldering problem. It was my first time visiting the East Coast and I was glad to have been used to Jackson Hole’s more humid weather. I think that gave me an advantage that climbers from drier regions didn’t have. In 2015 I entered my first international competition in Cochamó, Patagonia, Chile. I didn’t place, but plan to for the 2016 championship in Krabi, Thailand.